Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
CDB Aviation Leases Six Airbus A321neo Jets to Loong Air by 2027
CDB Aviation and Loong Air sign lease for six fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo aircraft, supporting fleet growth and sustainability goals by 2027.
CDB Aviation and Loong Air Execute Lease Agreements for Six New A321neo Aircraft
The aviation sector continues to evolve amid growing demand for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft and strategic partnerships. One such development is the recently announced lease agreement between CDB Aviation and Loong Air for six Airbus A321neo aircraft. Scheduled for delivery in 2027, this transaction not only enhances Loong Air’s operational capabilities but also reinforces a decade-long relationship between the two entities.
Loong Air, a Hangzhou-based airline, is poised to expand its domestic and international network with the integration of these new-generation aircraft. For CDB Aviation, a global aircraft lessor backed by China Development Bank, the deal reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting airline partners with sustainable fleet solutions. The A321neo, known for its fuel efficiency and extended range, aligns with both companies’ strategic goals in an increasingly competitive and environmentally conscious market.
This article explores the background of the two companies, the technical merits of the A321neo, the structure and implications of the lease agreement, and the broader context of aircraft leasing and sustainability trends shaping global aviation.
Background: CDB Aviation and Loong Air
CDB Aviation is a wholly-owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (CDB Leasing), the leasing arm of China Development Bank. With investment-grade credit ratings from S&P Global (A), Fitch (A+), and Moody’s (A2), CDB Aviation maintains a robust financial profile. As of June 2024, it managed a fleet of 510 owned and committed aircraft, valued at $11.8 billion in net book terms, and served 85 lessees across 41 countries.
Loong Air, officially known as Zhejiang Loong Airlines Co., Ltd., was established in 2011 and is headquartered in Hangzhou. With a fleet of over 70 Airbus A320-family aircraft, the airline operates both domestic and select international routes. Its partnership with CDB Aviation spans over a decade, with multiple transactions supporting fleet modernization and capacity enhancement.
Both companies have demonstrated a shared vision for growth and sustainability. The latest lease agreement further cements their strategic alignment and mutual interest in leveraging advanced aircraft technology to meet evolving market demands.
The Airbus A321neo: Technical and Operational Advantages
The Airbus A321neo is the largest member of the A320neo family, offering significant improvements in fuel efficiency, emissions, and passenger comfort. It features new-generation engines, either Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM or CFM International LEAP-1A, and sharklet wingtips that contribute to a 20% reduction in fuel burn and COâ‚‚ emissions per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft.
The aircraft typically seats between 180 and 220 passengers in a two-class configuration, with a high-density layout accommodating up to 244 passengers. In its long-range (LR) variant, the A321neo can fly up to 4,000 nautical miles, enabling airlines to operate transcontinental and regional routes efficiently.
These performance metrics make the A321neo a preferred choice for airlines seeking to balance operational cost savings with environmental responsibility. Frontier Airlines, for example, reported achieving 120 miles per gallon per seat with the A321neo, the highest fuel efficiency among U.S. carriers.
“The A321neo’s superior economics and passenger comfort align perfectly with Loong Air’s vision of expanding its domestic, international, and regional network.”, Jie Chen, CEO of CDB Aviation
Cabin Design and Passenger Experience
Beyond its technical efficiency, the A321neo also delivers enhanced passenger experience through Airbus’s Airspace cabin design. This includes slimmer sidewall panels for increased shoulder space, larger overhead bins, and full LED ambient lighting that improves cabin aesthetics and comfort.
The aircraft’s flexible cabin configuration allows airlines to tailor layouts for various market needs. Delta Air Lines, for instance, operates A321neos with a 194-seat configuration, offering lie-flat business-class seats, Wi-Fi connectivity, and in-seat power outlets, features that appeal to both business and leisure travelers.
Such flexibility is particularly valuable for carriers like Loong Air, which operates across diverse route profiles. The A321neo’s cabin innovations support Loong Air’s goal of elevating passenger experience while maintaining operational efficiency.
Lease Agreement Structure and Strategic Implications
The lease agreement was signed on July 17, 2025, at Loong Air’s headquarters in Hangzhou. It covers the delivery of six Airbus A321neo aircraft from CDB Aviation’s existing orderbook, with deliveries scheduled for 2027. This transaction marks a continuation of the longstanding partnership between the two companies.
According to the official announcement, the A321neos will support Loong Air’s expansion into new domestic, regional, and international markets. The aircraft’s range and efficiency make it well-suited for high-demand routes, particularly in China’s growing secondary cities and regional hubs.
Qihong Liu, Chairman of Loong Air, emphasized the strategic importance of the deal: “The A321neo’s enhanced performance and cabin flexibility will allow us to offer an elevated travel experience to our passengers, while supporting our long-term sustainability objectives.”
Industry Context: Aircraft Leasing and Sustainability Trends
The global aircraft leasing industry plays a critical role in enabling airlines to modernize fleets without incurring the high capital costs of direct purchases. Leasing also provides flexibility in fleet management, allowing carriers to adjust capacity in response to market fluctuations.
China’s aircraft leasing market is among the fastest-growing globally, driven by rising air travel demand and government support. CDB Aviation, backed by China Development Bank, benefits from favorable regulatory frameworks and financial stability, positioning it as a key player in this expanding market.
Sustainability is another major driver of fleet renewal. Airlines are under increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, and aircraft like the A321neo offer a practical solution. The model is compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends up to 50%, further enhancing its environmental credentials.
Market Dynamics and Future Outlook
The narrowbody aircraft segment, particularly the A321neo, is experiencing strong demand. As of June 2025, Airbus had received over 7,000 orders for the A321neo, with more than 1,700 deliveries completed. Its popularity is attributed to its balance of range, capacity, and cost-efficiency.
In parallel, the global aircraft leasing market is projected to grow significantly. Valued at $183.13 billion in 2024, it is expected to reach $397.21 billion by 2034. This growth is underpinned by trends such as fleet modernization, emerging market expansion, and the shift toward asset-light business models.
For lessors like CDB Aviation, these trends present opportunities to expand portfolios and deepen relationships with airline partners. For airlines, leasing provides a pathway to adopt next-generation aircraft without compromising financial flexibility.
Conclusion
The lease agreement between CDB Aviation and Loong Air for six A321neo aircraft highlights a confluence of strategic planning, technological advancement, and sustainability priorities. It underscores the value of long-term partnerships in navigating the complexities of modern aviation.
As the industry continues to recover and evolve post-pandemic, such transactions set a benchmark for future fleet strategies. They reflect a broader shift toward environmentally responsible, economically viable, and operationally flexible aviation solutions.
FAQ
What is the A321neo?
The Airbus A321neo is a fuel-efficient, narrowbody aircraft offering extended range and modern cabin features. It is part of the A320neo family.
When will Loong Air receive the aircraft?
The six A321neo aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2027.
Why is leasing aircraft beneficial for airlines?
Leasing allows airlines to modernize fleets without large upfront costs and provides flexibility to adjust capacity as market conditions change.
Sources
CDB Aviation, Airbus, Fitch Ratings, S&P Global, Moody’s, Planespotters, IATA
Photo Credit: JetPhoto
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
ACG and WestJet Finalize 13 Boeing 737-10 Lease Agreements
ACG and WestJet signed long-term leases for 13 Boeing 737-10 jets, pending FAA and Transport Canada certification.
Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG) and WestJet finalized long-term lease agreements on July 14, 2026, for 13 Boeing 737-10 aircraft, positioning the Canadian carrier to potentially receive the first delivery of the variant from the lessor’s orderbook.
The transaction, announced in a press release by ACG, expands an existing relationship between the two companies following the delivery of two Boeing 737-8 aircraft in February 2026. The agreement supports WestJet’s fleet renewal strategy while highlighting ACG’s growing backlog of Boeing’s largest narrowbody variant.
Fleet expansion and the Boeing 737-10
The Boeing 737-10 represents 30 percent of the total 737 MAX order backlog, with more than 1,400 orders globally. According to ACG, the aircraft offers a 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat and a 20 percent increase in revenue potential compared to older generation aircraft.
ACG Chief Executive Officer and President Thomas Baker stated that the two companies share a strong commitment to the type, with over 140 aircraft on order between them.
“This makes ACG the leading lessor customer for the type and WestJet one of the largest airline customers,” Baker said.
WestJet Group Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President Mike Scott noted that shifting deliveries to the 737-10 provides the airline with added flexibility to scale operations and meet passenger demand.
Certification timeline and labor context
The Boeing 737-10 has not yet received type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or Transport Canada (TC). ACG confirmed that deliveries to WestJet will commence only after the aircraft achieves regulatory approval.
The lessor has aggressively expanded its 737 MAX portfolio. In January 2026, ACG finalized an order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX jets, including 25 737-10s. This acquisition gave ACG the largest 737-10 orderbook of any aircraft lessor.
Labor unrest at WestJet
The fleet announcement arrives amid significant labor friction at the Canadian airline. On July 15, 2026, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125, which represents 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, announced that 99.4 percent of voting members authorized strike action. A legal strike could commence as early as August 2, 2026, potentially disrupting the carrier’s operations as it plans for future capacity growth.
AirPro News analysis
We view this lease agreement as a strategic hedge for both parties. For WestJet, securing 737-10s through a lessor provides delivery flexibility while the airline navigates immediate labor challenges and awaits the variant’s final certification. For ACG, placing 13 uncertified airframes with an established North American operator validates its heavy investment in the 737-10 program. The success of this timeline remains entirely dependent on the FAA and Transport Canada certification schedules.
Sources: Aviation Capital Group
Photo Credit: Aviation Capital Group
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Luxair Orders Boeing 737-10 Jets at Farnborough 2026
Luxair converts 737-10 options to firm orders at Farnborough 2026, reaching 12 total 737 family aircraft on order.
Luxair has expanded its narrowbody fleet commitment by converting two options for the Boeing 737-10 into firm orders and securing two additional options during the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow.
The July 21, 2026, announcement by The Boeing Company brings the Luxembourg flag carrier’s total firm order book for the 737 family to 12 aircraft. The agreement supports Luxair’s long-term fleet modernization strategy, which focuses on increasing passenger capacity while reducing the airline’s environmental footprint.
Fleet expansion and aircraft specifications
Once all deliveries are completed, Luxair’s Boeing 737 fleet will consist of eight Boeing 737-8s and four Boeing 737-10s. The airline placed its initial order for two 737-10 aircraft in 2024 and is now moving to integrate the new-generation narrowbodies into a network that serves more than 100 destinations across Europe and beyond.
Luxair has selected a 213-seat configuration for its Boeing 737-10 aircraft. The cabin will feature the Boeing Sky Interior with redesigned seats offering a 76 cm pitch. The 737-10 is the largest model in the MAX family, capable of carrying up to 230 passengers in a maximum high-density configuration, with a range of 3,100 nautical miles (5,740 km).
“This agreement represents another important milestone in the execution of our long-term fleet strategy,” said Gilles Feith, Chief Executive Officer of Luxair. “As we continue to grow, delivering an outstanding passenger experience remains at the heart of every fleet decision we make. The Boeing 737-10 provides the additional capacity, operational efficiency and flexibility we need to support future demand while maintaining the high standards of quality, comfort and service our customers expect from Luxair.”
Environmental and operational targets
The integration of the Boeing 737-10 is central to Luxair’s sustainability initiatives. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, the new aircraft deliver a 20 percent reduction in fuel use and emissions compared to the older generation aircraft they will replace. According to Boeing, each new-generation 737 saves an average of 8 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
The operational efficiency of the new fleet is designed to support Luxair’s growth trajectory following a strong performance in 2025, during which the airline transported 2.6 million passengers.
“Both the 737-8 and 737-10 are perfectly suited across Luxair’s network, increasing capacity on to its regional routes, comfortably serving more passengers on more routes with the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle airplane,” said Ricardo Cavero, Vice President of Europe and Israel Commercial Sales and Marketing for The Boeing Company. “With the selection of the 737-8 and 737-10, Luxair is building a more profitable and sustainable operation.”
AirPro News analysis
Luxair’s decision to convert options into firm orders at the Farnborough International Airshow signals strong confidence in the Boeing 737-10 as the cornerstone of its high-density European routes. By standardizing its future narrowbody growth around the 737-8 and 737-10, we see Luxair prioritizing fleet commonality, which traditionally lowers maintenance and crew training costs. The retention of two new purchase rights also provides the carrier with a low-risk mechanism to secure future delivery slots in a constrained global supply chain environment.
Sources: The Boeing Company
Photo Credit: Boeing
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Riyadh Air Orders 31 A350-1000s and 67 Boeing 787s
Riyadh Air firms up A350-1000 and 787 Dreamliner orders at Farnborough 2026, targeting 100 global destinations by 2030.
Saudi Arabian startup carrier Riyadh Air (RX) has expanded its future widebody fleet by firming up an order for six additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 20, 2026. The agreement exercises purchase rights from a 2025 commitment for up to 50 airframes, bringing the airline’s total firm backlog for the European manufacturer’s largest twin-engine jet to 31 aircraft.
In a press release issued during the airshow, Airbus confirmed the transaction and noted that Riyadh Air will become the first operator of the A350-1000 in Saudi Arabia. The acquisition aligns with the carrier’s mandate to support the national Vision 2030 strategy, which targets serving more than 100 global destinations by the end of the decade.
Expanding the Airbus widebody footprint
The Airbus A350-1000 offers a maximum non-stop range of 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 kilometers), providing the operational capability required for Riyadh Air’s planned ultra-long-haul services. Airbus states the aircraft delivers a 25 percent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs, and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation widebody aircraft.
Riyadh Air Chief Financial Officer Adam Boukadida stated that the finalized order reflects continued confidence in the airline’s growth trajectory and the broader Saudi aviation sector.
“Increasing our A350-1000 commitment to 31 aircraft strengthens the foundation of our future network and supports our ambition to serve more than 100 global destinations by 2030 while delivering a premium guest experience,” Boukadida said.
Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial-Aircraft Benoît de Saint-Exupéry added that the commitment highlights the aircraft’s efficiency and range. He noted the A350-1000 will play a central role in positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading international aviation hub. As of the end of June 2026, Airbus had recorded 1,595 firm Orders for the A350 family from 68 customers worldwide.
Concurrent Boeing 787 Dreamliner expansion
The Airbus finalization occurred alongside a separate widebody order placed with The Boeing Company. According to reporting by Al Arabiya, Riyadh Air also confirmed an order for 28 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft at the Farnborough event on July 20.
This separate agreement introduces the Boeing 787-10 variant to the carrier’s fleet. Following the announcement, Riyadh Air’s total firm commitment for the Dreamliner family stands at 67 aircraft.
Riyadh Air Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas told Al Arabiya that the introduction of the 787-10 and the expanded Dreamliner backlog marks another significant milestone in the airline’s journey toward its 2030 network goals. The carrier recently opened ticket sales for its initial overseas routes as it prepares for the launch of commercial operations.
AirPro News analysis
We view Riyadh Air’s dual widebody orders at Farnborough as a clear signal of the carrier’s aggressive timeline and robust capital backing. By splitting its high-capacity, long-haul requirements between the Airbus A350-1000 and the Boeing 787-10, the airline mitigates delivery risk in an era of constrained aerospace supply chains. Securing 31 firm A350-1000s and 67 Boeing 787s provides the necessary metal to rapidly scale a global network from scratch. However, the operational complexity of inducting two distinct widebody types simultaneously will require substantial training, tooling, and maintenance infrastructure investments prior to the Launch of commercial flights.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
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